I’ve personally run into the frustrating issue where my APN settings keep resetting without warning, causing my mobile data to stop working randomly. If you’ve experienced this too, you’re not alone. APN (Access Point Name) settings are what connect our devices to the internet and let us send MMS messages, but when they reset, it can feel like you’re being locked out of your own network.
In this guide, I’ll break down why APN settings keep resetting and, more importantly, how to fix it for good.
Quick Summary
- Carriers may override your settings remotely, causing them to reset.
- SIM card issues can make APN settings unstable.
- System updates or factory resets can restore default APNs.
- Some phone brands restrict manual APN edits.
- Certain apps or services may force APN changes.
- Corrupt APN database files could be the culprit.
- Fixes include manually saving settings, disabling automatic updates, modifying system files, and even locking APN settings (if supported by your carrier).
Why APN Settings Keep Resetting
1. Carrier Restrictions and Automatic Updates
Ever noticed your APN settings changing right after a software update? Carriers push APN settings remotely, often overriding what you’ve set manually. This happens due to:
- Carrier profile updates that reset APN settings when updating firmware or swapping SIM cards.
- Locked APN settings on network-branded devices that prevent user modifications.
- Regional policies: Some regions (e.g., EU) regulate carrier-controlled APN settings, while in the U.S., providers enforce them for security reasons.
2. SIM Card-Related Issues
A faulty or outdated SIM card can be the reason why your APN settings won’t stick:
- Some SIM cards store outdated APN profiles, causing settings to reset.
- Switching SIMs between different carriers may trigger an automatic APN update.
- IMEI-based APN provisioning: Some networks assign APNs based on your device IMEI, forcing APN resets when switching networks or resetting settings.
3. System Updates and Factory Resets
I’ve seen my custom APN settings vanish right after a system update. Here’s why:
- Android and iOS updates often restore default APN profiles.
- Factory resets erase all saved APN settings unless backed up.
- Firmware-specific APN enforcement (especially on Samsung phones) forces specific APNs depending on the carrier.
4. Device Manufacturer Limitations
Certain phone manufacturers make it harder to modify APN settings. Carrier-locked phones (e.g., Samsung, Xiaomi) often enforce preset APN rules that prevent changes from sticking.
- Custom ROMs may not retain APN settings after a reboot.
- APN database version mismatches can trigger automatic resets if the stored APN doesn’t match the expected profile.
5. Conflicting Apps and Background Services
Some apps might be overriding your APN settings without you realizing it:
- VPNs and security apps may force APN settings to change for traffic filtering.
- Carrier configuration apps (like MyVerizon or AT&T Smart Wi-Fi) sometimes override custom APNs.
- IMS registration & RCS messaging can trigger APN resets to ensure compatibility with VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling.
6. Corrupted Network Configuration Files
A damaged APN database file can prevent settings from saving. Signs of a corrupt APN database include:
- Settings resetting every reboot.
- “APN settings not available for this user” error message.
- Your APN options being completely missing in the settings menu.
What Happens When APN Resets?
Here’s what can break when your APN settings reset unexpectedly:
| Feature | Impact After APN Reset |
| Mobile Data | Connection lost or slowed |
| MMS Messaging | Unable to send/receive |
| Hotspot & Tethering | May become disabled |
| VoLTE & Wi-Fi Calling | May stop working |
| RCS Messaging | Chat services may break |
How to Fix APN Settings Resetting
1. Lock APN Settings (If Possible)
One way to stop APN resets is to lock APN settings (if your device supports it):
- Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names.
- Look for an option to lock APN (not all devices have this option).
2. Disable Automatic APN Updates
To stop carriers from resetting your APN:
- For Android:
- Dial *#*#4636#*#* to open the Testing menu.
- Go to Phone Information > Disable Auto Update (if available).
- For iPhone:
- Contact your carrier and request to disable OTA APN push.
3. Manually Re-enter APN Settings and Save
If APN resets are happening randomly, try this:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Network > Access Point Names.
- Tap Add New APN and enter the correct details.
- Save the new APN and set it as default.
- Restart your phone to check if the settings persist.
4. Backup and Restore APN Settings
For Android users:
- Use APN Backup & Restore (third-party app) to save settings.
- Restore your APN settings if they reset after a reboot.
For iPhone users:
- Use carrier profiles to store semi-permanent APN settings.
5. Check for SIM or Carrier Profile Issues
- Insert a different SIM card to see if the issue persists.
- Call your carrier and request manual APN settings.
- Ensure your SIM card is correctly provisioned for data services.
6. Modify System APN Database (Advanced Users)
For those comfortable modifying system files:
- Access the system APN file:
- Use Root Explorer or ADB to go to /etc/apns-conf.xml.
- Edit the file to include your custom APN.
- Set file permissions to read-only (chmod 444 command) to prevent overwrites.
- Restart your device to apply changes.
7. Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If nothing else works:
- Backup your data first!
- Perform a factory reset (Settings > System > Reset > Erase all data).
- Manually reconfigure your APN settings afterward.
Conclusion
If you’ve been struggling with APN resets, I get how annoying it can be. The best approach is to try locking the settings, disabling automatic updates, and checking your SIM and carrier settings before jumping to extreme fixes like modifying system files or factory resetting your phone.
If all else fails, your carrier may have enforced APN restrictions, in which case contacting them directly is your best bet.
